Concurrent Sessions 11 | October 11, 2025 | 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM (PST)
Cultivating Intergenerational Connections Through Horticultural Therapy
Speaker
Betsy Anderton Tipton, PhD
Betsy Anderton Tipton, PhD in Instructional Design, is a dedicated high school educator with over 30 years of interdisciplinary teaching experience. Passionate about harnessing the power of nature to transform learning environments, she integrates horticultural therapy, biophilic design, and sustainable gardening practices into her curriculum to boost both academic achievement and emotional well-being. Betsy’s innovative projects—such as providing houseplants for teacher wellness and spearheading intergenerational initiatives with assisted living communities—create strong connections among students, staff, and local residents. Her forward-thinking approach and multiple grant awards continue to expand her impactful programs.
Reach for Growth: A pathway back to our wisest self
Speaker
Stephanie Ramirez
Stephanie Ramirez is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and a registered therapeutic horticulture practitioner. She has nine years of experience in a wide range of clinical settings, including short-term crisis residential treatment facilities, inpatient hospitalization, and outpatient services. Through this, she has assisted individuals of all ages learn the tools that they need to reduce self-harm, prevent suicide, and overcome depression and anxiety. She also has experience working with military personnel and conflict-affected populations. Stephanie currently serves as a Clinical Director of Easterseals PORT Health. In this role, she provides clinical oversight of the REACH program, which provides crisis services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, she oversees the use of horticulture activities within this program. Lastly, Stephanie is the founder of Reach for Growth LLC., which provides mental health education, psychotherapy and therapeutic horticulture services.
It's NO Joke~ Humor and Horticultural Therapy
Speakers
Elizabeth (Libba) Shortridge, MLA, HTR
Libba Shortridge, MLA, HTR, is a registered horticultural therapist in Atlanta, GA. She recently retired from Skyland Trail, a mental health facility for adults and adolescents where she passionately wove together her awe for the natural world and of human nature for 15 years. Graduating from HTI in 2009, in 2017 Libba was awarded the Rhea McCandliss Professional Service Award for her innovative programmatic development at Skyland Trail. In 2024, Libba was invited to speak in Taiwan and to tour the HT facilities throughout the country. In Taiwan she found a similar passion combined with humor that makes for an enriching experience in the profession of horticultural therapy and is excited to share her discovery with the talented horticultural therapist, Hsiang-Hua Chen (aka Melanie).
Hsiang-Hua Chen (aka Melanie), MS, HTR
Hsiang-Hua Chen (aka Melanie), MS, HTR. Certified and registered HTR in Taiwan Horticultural Therapy Association, 2019. Permacultural Design Certificate, Earth Passengers Taiwan, 2016. I have a background in Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, with additional training in neuroscience and graphic design in CA. As a full-time horticultural therapist, I collaborate with diverse facilities and organizations, including vocational training centers, long-term care facilities, schools, universities, and private organizations. I believe that nature holds profound therapeutic power for everyone, offering inspiration and healing in many aspects. Since becoming a registered horticultural therapist in 2019, I have designed and implemented horticultural therapy programs for diverse populations, including children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, mental health clients, and corporate teams. My work focuses on integrating evidence-based practices into horticultural and therapeutic activities while bridging the gap between nature and urban communities.
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